The White House is once again home to the First Pets. Since James Polk in the 1840s, only one president has been without pets in the People’s House.
George Washington had 12 foxhounds with names like Drunkard, Taster and Tipsy. Andrew Jackson’s feathered friend was a parrot that learned to swear. One of the biggest animal lovers of all was Abraham Lincoln whose 2 goats were renowned for the mischief they wrought with Abe’s 2 young sons.
Teddy Roosevelt’s family had a number of exotic pets, including Emily Spinach, a garter snake, and Josiah, a badger. Fala, Franklin Roosevelt’s Scottie, was a national treasure as was Millie, the beloved cocker spaniel belonging to President George H.W. Bush.
Now, Champ is the first shelter dog to live in the White House, doing his duty to bring attention to animals that need homes.